Become a
Blue Spark
Watch this space!
The application process of our Blue Sparks Community Grants Programme is now closed. We have offered local groups in Plymouth funding of up to £2,500—and up to £5,000 for exceptional projects. Supported by Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, these grants help bring community ideas to life, especially those that celebrate, explore, and protect our coastal and marine spaces.
Plymouth’s blue spaces—our seas, rivers, and shoreline—are rich in nature, wellbeing benefits, and maritime history. This programme supports community-led projects that increase access, raise awareness, and improve these important environments for everyone.
We will keep everyone updated through our social media, website news and newsletters. Keep an eye out if you’re interested in being involved with our chosen Blue Sparks and their workshops/sessions.
The Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Horizons project has been made possible thanks to money raised by National Lottery players with £11.6million of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Core Criteria:
- Relate to the marine environment, maritime heritage and/or cultural heritage.
- Encourage and inspire people to explore their connection to blue spaces/Generate a greater connection to blue spaces and Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
- Explore innovative and novel approaches to connect people with marine and coastal environments.
- Enhance the feeling of pride of living in an ocean city.
- Take sustainable approaches to initiatives.
Desirable Goals:
- Improve people’s understanding and appreciation of the importance of marine heritage.
- Support or enhance marine and coastal nature in and around Plymouth Sound National marine Park and the City.
- Create opportunities for people to use blue spaces to benefit their health and wellbeing.
- Facilitate greater access to blue spaces through activities, the arts, culture, history, digital interventions.
- Generate and enable enhanced social connections through their involvement with PSNMP.
This initiative will empower local people to celebrate, protect, and connect with the incredible marine and natural heritage on their doorstep.
Stuart McLeod, Director England – London and South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund
